This is one of those rare CD’s that you would leave NEXT to the sound system, to listen to over and over, every track a new surprise, with engaging sound and one of the best vocalists around. Darby Dizard is an artist to watch, blessed with an elegant voice and scintillating style. Her fine ensemble of musicians produces a stunning selection of ballads, with a few originals as well, including Christopher Cherney’s splendid “Postlude” as a final instrumental track. It was almost impossible to choose four noteworthy tracks, with each track catching my ear, and I should mention that Patience Higgins joined in on Track #7, “The Music Goes Round and Round/I Hear Music”, with a jumping bopping clarinet, following an “old record” introduction.

#4 – That Old Black Magic – Composed by Arlen and Mercer. Brazilian percussion opens this standard with pulsating pizzazz. Darby Dizard joins in with driven vocals that exude energy and dynamic dervish. Cyro Baptista on percussion, Jim Commack on bass, and Artie Dixson on drums, all infuse this track with seasoned rhythms, while Christopher Cherney and Tony Romano add elegant keyboard and smooth guitar accompaniment. In fact, Tony Romano’s solos were mesmerizing.

#9 – Down for You – Composed by Christopher Cherney and Darby Dizard. This original title track is delivered with impassioned lyrics and sassy sensuality. Cherney is showcased in a lengthy solo, bubbly and buoyant.

#11 – I Remember You – Composed by Schertzinger and Mercer. What a sound - so cool, so breathtaking. Darby’s solo entrance, a test for a true vocalist, is delivered with ease and expression. She soon follows slow whispering with rushing scat, and the music takes off in a flash.